This gene encodes a member of the hairy and enhancer of split family of bHLH transcription factors. The mouse ortholog of this gene is regulated by Notch signaling. The protein functions as a transcriptional repressor, and is implicated in correct patterning of the axial skeleton. A mutation in this gene has been shown to result in spondylocostal dysostosis. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene